the AMP Issue 49

"Music is probably the one real magic I have encountered in my life. There's not some trick involved with it. It's pure and it's real. It moves, it heals, it communicates and does all these incredible things."
— Tom Petty

In This Issue... 18 pages [about 26 minutes to read] You'll Get...

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• RECOMMENDS—  The Greatest Concert Film of All Time: Stop Making Sense

• the BIZ—  Pollstar 2024 Mid-Year Report: Record-Setting $3B+ Gross...

• BACKSTAGE PASS— Your Mistakes Can Be Gifts from Ian Temple

• from Rolling Stone's 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time— Tom Petty

• MONDEGREEN—  American Girl from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

• COACHING—  Part 3 of 3: a Singer Songwriter's Success How To from Derek Sivers

• PS from PS— Why do we strive to be perfect? A mistake can get us so much more.
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Here’s the playlist
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• RECOMMENDS— The Greatest Concert Film of All Time: Stop Making Sense

Really? The Greatest... of All Time... Yes, because Stop Making Sense is not just a concert film; it's an electrifying experience that captures the essence of one of the most innovative bands of all time, Talking Heads. Directed by the legendary Jonathan Demme, this film transcends the typical concert movie format, creating a visual and auditory masterpiece that stands the test of (all) time.

From the moment David Byrne steps onto the stage with his acoustic guitar and boombox, you're hooked. The energy builds song-by-song, each performance more captivating than the last. The minimalist stage setup gradually transforms, mirroring the band's evolving sound and intensity. By the time the entire band is in full swing, you're completely immersed in their world.

The film's brilliance lies in its simplicity and focus on the music. Demme's direction ensures that the band's infectious energy and Byrne's enigmatic presence are front and center. The cinematography captures every nuance, from the sweat on Byrne's face to the synchronized dance moves of the band members, making you feel like you're right there in the audience.

Stop Making Sense is more than just a film; it's a celebration of creativity, innovation, and pure musical talent. The performances of hits like Psycho Killer, Once in a Lifetime, and Burning Down the House are nothing short of iconic. The film's seamless blend of music, movement, and visual artistry sets it apart from any other concert film ever made.

Whether you're a long-time Talking Heads fan or new to their music, Stop Making Sense is a must-watch. It's a film that you’ll want to revisit time and again, each viewing offering something new. It's no wonder that this documentary is hailed as the greatest concert film of all time. Don't miss this exhilarating experience, Stop Making Sense,  and see why it remains a pinnacle of live music film making.

You can watch the trailer by tapping here: Stop Making Sense

Watchable on MAX, Amazon Prime and other subscription streamers.

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• the BIZ—  Pollstar 2024 Mid-Year Report: Record-Setting $3B+ Gross As Market Cools; Madonna Has No. 1 Tour by Bob Allen and Andy Gensler from Pollstar

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ED NOTE: the following is an edited version of the complete article which is available on the Pollstar website. Tap here, Pollstar 2024 Mid-Year Report to read the report in full. 

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The 2024 mid-year report highlights a return to stable growth in the live music industry. Record-setting grosses and rising ticket prices indicate a robust market, even as the post-pandemic surge stabilizes. For Singer Songwriters, this environment suggests continued opportunities for lucrative tours, with a more predictable growth trajectory. The increase in the number of shows and steady ticket sales underscore the demand for live music, providing a fertile ground for artists to connect with audiences and grow their careers.

The live music industry, after a period of unprecedented growth, is beginning to stabilize. The Pollstar 2024 Mid-Year Top 100 Worldwide Tours chart shows a return to more traditional growth patterns following the post-pandemic surge that began in late 2021. 

Here are the key insights for Singer Songwriters looking to navigate this evolving landscape.

Key Highlights

1. Record-Setting Grosses
The global box office for the first half of 2024 hit a record $3.07b, surpassing 2023's $2.83b by 8.7%. This marks the first time mid-year grosses have topped $3 billion, showcasing a strong recovery and continued growth in the live music sector.

Despite the market cooling, 2024’s gross is still higher than any pre-pandemic year, including 2019, which was the last full year of steady growth before the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

2. Moderate Changes
Unlike 2023's dramatic spikes, where overall gross increased by 51.1% and average gross per show by 64.7%, the largest increase in any metric this year is 17%, and no decrease exceeded 15%. This suggests a more stable and predictable market.

Average gross per show in 2024 is down 6.9% from 2023, but remains the second highest on record, indicating that while growth has slowed, the market is still performing exceptionally well.

3. Top Tours
Madonna’s "Celebration Tour" leads the chart with a $179 million gross, followed by Bad Bunny’s "Most Wanted Tour" ($174.6 million), and Luis Miguel ($169.4 million). U2’s residency at Sphere, "U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere,' grossed $134.7 million, rounding out the top four.

Other top earners include Karol G ($111.2 million), Bruno Mars ($102.1 million), Coldplay ($100.4 million), SEVENTEEN ($74.5 million), Eagles ($69.4 million), and Nicki Minaj ($66.2 million). These figures highlight the diverse range of artists and genres that are thriving in the current market.

4. Ticket Sales and Prices
Total tickets sold in 2024 were slightly down by 0.7% from 2023, with 24.1 million tickets sold. This minor decline indicates a stable fan base and ongoing demand for live performances.

The average ticket price reached an all-time high of $127.38, up 9.4% from 2023's $116.41. This increase in ticket prices reflects the high value fans place on live music experiences and the willingness to pay premium prices for top-tier performances.

5. Subgroup Growth
The top 25 tours collectively grossed $1.85 billion, an increase from last year's $1.54 billion. Tours ranked from No. 26 through No. 50 took in $587 million compared to $569.3 million in 2023. Tours ranked 51st through 75th totaled $377.4 million this year, up from $350.1 million last year. Finally, the last group of 25 tours grossed $256.4 million in 2024, compared to $244.1 million in 2023.

These figures show that growth is occurring across all levels of the industry, not just among the top performers, which is encouraging for emerging and mid-level artists.

North America Insights

North American grosses totaled $2.33 billion, an 18.7% increase from 2023, highlighting a robust market in one of the most important regions for live music.

The number of reported shows increased by 18.6%, and the number of tickets old increased by 7.9%, totaling 17.6 million this year compared to 16.32 million in 2023. This increase in volume indicates more opportunities for live performances and engagement with fans.

The average gross per show in North America saw a slight increase to $1,090,845, up only 0.1% from last year’s average. This stability in gross per show reflects consistent demand and pricing power in the North American market.

The average ticket price in North America rose to $132.18, continuing a three-year upward trend. Last year’s price averaged $120.11, and the 2022 average was $108.20. This continuous rise in ticket prices demonstrates a strong market where fans are willing to invest in live music experiences.

Summary Conclusion
The 2024 mid-year report highlights a return to stable growth in the live music industry. Record-setting grosses and rising ticket prices indicate a robust market, even as the post-pandemic surge stabilizes. For Singer Songwriters, this environment suggests continued opportunities for lucrative tours, with a more predictable growth trajectory. The increase in the number of shows and steady ticket sales underscore the demand for live music, providing a fertile ground for artists to connect with audiences and grow their careers.

This period of stabilization offers a chance for Singer Songwriters to plan strategically, focusing on delivering high-quality performances and engaging fan experiences. The willingness of fans to pay premium prices for live shows emphasizes the importance of creating memorable and unique concert experiences. As the market continues to evolve, staying adaptable and responsive to trends will be key to capitalizing on the ongoing opportunities in the live music industry.

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About Pollstar:

Pollstar is the premier trade publication dedicated to covering the worldwide concert industry. Established in 1981, Pollstar provides in-depth reporting and analysis on live music events, ticket sales, and touring artists. With a reputation for accurate and comprehensive data, Pollstar's reports and charts are essential resources for industry professionals, offering insights into market trends and the economic impact of live performances.

Get the latest live industry news and info from Pollstar in your inbox. Tap the link to subscribe to the Pollstar Daily Pulse Newsletter 

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• BACKSTAGE PASS—  Your Mistakes Can Be Gifts from Ian Temple

An artist recently told me a secret about performing live: 

People like it when you f@$% up.

On the face of it, this isn’t a nice thought. It almost sounds like people are rooting for you to fail, or getting some perverse schadenfreude from seeing you stumble. And sure, I think the success of something like reality TV, as one example, illustrates the way that particular unpleasant human tendency can manifest itself.

But that’s not what the artist meant at all. Because there’s another aspect of it. There are even people rooting for you who like it when you mess up, and that’s because it gives them something unique, something extraordinary that no one else gets to experience. That’s what this artist was talking about— if they mess up out on stage in front of a room full of people, then everyone in that room witnessing it will have experienced something singular, a distinct moment in time that’s unlikely to ever happen again. 

In other words...

They re-framed making a mistake as a gift for their audience.

As a fan myself, I know that they’re right. James Blake pausing and re-starting a song at the solo piano show he played last week contributed to the feeling of being part of something intimate and special. I still remember every minute of the Keith Jarrett show I saw 20 years ago when he stopped halfway through a song, and went off in a different direction. 

There’s something else happening here as well though. So many of the artists, celebrities and heroes we see out there seem to have it all together— perfect design, impeccable fashion, spotless production & sound, unassailable talent, etc. We’re used to this idea of success: Where everything seems perfect. It can even seem like their success itself was effortless. I won’t deny there can be something very impressive about that. 

But the truth is that most of us are driven by stories, and the best stories are ones that show authenticity and vulnerability, because those are the stories we can connect with. We might admire the perfectly aloof artist on their distant stage, but we identify with and fall in love with the artist who bares their soul for us every time they play. 

Which probably includes messing up sometimes. 

So that’s what I’m here to remind you today: If music at its evolutionary core is social, a way to connect with each other and communicate meaning across our cellular divides, then creating that connection requires vulnerability. It requires being willing to let the cracks show through. It requires letting people see in behind— the work you’ve put in, the process you used, the joy you're experiencing, the fears eating you up inside, etc. 

There's a chance a song you want to release isn't quite as perfect as you want it to be yet. That's OK. I encourage you to get it as far along as you can and then release it anyway. Because the imperfection is what makes you human and what people will connect with. Tell that story to the world, how you're still developing, evolving, exploring, and what you're trying to achieve with your music. People want to hear it. Welcome them in. 

I have no doubt that you will make mistakes in your musical journey. They may be simple mistakes, like hitting a wrong note once in a while, or bigger mistakes, like accidentally kicking the power cable out of the wall while playing live in front of hundreds of people (oops). But those mistakes are part of the beauty of music making— and if you see them as part of the process, hopefully you can enjoy them as much as the other parts. And when you do that, anything is possible: Growth, adaptation, connection, laughter, electricity. Gifts. 

As Miles Davis supposedly said, "It's not the note you play that’s the wrong note— it’s the note you play afterward that makes it right or wrong."

How can you better embrace mistakes in your creative process, and transform them into gifts for the world? 

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Ian Temple is the visionary CEO and Founder of Soundfly, a revolutionary platform dedicated to transforming the way musicians learn and grow. With a deep passion for music and education, Ian has crafted a career that blends creativity with innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional music education. His background as a musician and educator has fueled his drive to create a more accessible, engaging, and effective learning environment for musicians worldwide.

Soundfly is a pioneering online music education platform designed to inspire and empower musicians at all levels. Soundfly offers a unique and engaging approach to learning music, combining high-quality instructional content with personalized mentorship and a supportive community.

Join the Soundfly community today and take your musical journey to new heights. Tap the link to learn more about Soundfly

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• One of the 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time—  Tom Petty

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: An Enduring Legacy in Music

"Tom Petty is a true rock and roll purist. He's an incredible performer and an incredible songwriter. He's made some of the greatest records of all time."
— Bob Dylan

"He was a great songwriter, a great performer, and he could sing like nobody's business. He had an ability to connect with people that was truly special."
— Stevie Nicks

"Tom Petty had this amazing way of writing songs that felt like they were part of your life the first time you heard them. He was a master at creating music that was both timeless and immediate."
— Eddie Vedder

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers hold a revered place in the pantheon of rock music, recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time. With a career spanning over four decades, Petty and his band have left an indelible mark on music, known for their distinctive sound, heartfelt lyrics, and an impressive catalog of hits. Let's into their music production, sales, notable records and albums, concerts, awards, and highlights of Tom Petty's personal life, including his impact on country music.

Music Production and Hits
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album in 1976, which included the timeless hit American Girl. This was just the beginning of a string of successful albums and singles. Their meticulous approach to music production, often characterized by jangly guitars and Petty’s distinctive voice, st them apart. Hits like Free Fallin’ I Won't Back Down, Learning to Fly, and Runnin' Down a Dream became anthems, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Album Sales and Popular Records
Throughout their career, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers sold over 80 million records globally. Their 1979 album, Damn the Torpedoes, was a critical and commercial success, going triple platinum and featuring hits like Refugee and Don't Do Me Like That. The album solidified their place in rock history. Subsequent albums like Hard Promises, Southern Accents, and Into the Great Wide Open continued to showcase their musical prowess and adaptability.

"Tom Petty was an artist of great integrity and a true rock and roll poet. His music and his words spoke to so many of us, and his legacy will continue to inspire."
— Bruce Springsteen

Concerts and Tours
Known for their electrifying live performances, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers toured extensively, building a huge loyal base of TrueFans. Their concerts were more than just musical events; they were experiences. Memorable tours included the 40th Anniversary Tour in 2017, which became their final tour, ending just weeks before Petty's untimely death. Their live performances were celebrated for their energy, musicianship, and Petty's charismatic stage presence.

"Tom Petty had a natural gift for melody and lyricism. He made it look easy, but there was a depth to his music that resonated on a profound level."
— Rick Rubin

Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers garnered numerous awards and accolades. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, a testament to their enduring influence and contribution to music. Petty received three Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his impact as a songwriter and performer. 

Personal Life and Struggles
Tom Petty's personal life was marked by both triumphs and challenges. He was married twice, first to Jane Benyo, with whom he had two daughters, and later to Dana York. Despite his professional success, Petty faced struggles, including a battle with addiction and depression. These challenges, however, did not diminish his passion for music, and he often channeled his experiences into his songwriting, creating deeply personal and relatable music.

"Tom Petty was the coolest guy in the world. His music had this effortless quality that made you feel good, and his influence on rock music is immeasurable."
— Dave Grohl

Political and Social Activism
Petty was known for his outspokenness on political and social issues. He was a staunch advocate for artists' rights and fought against record industry practices he deemed unfair. Songs like The Last DJ reflected his disdain for the commercialization of music. Petty also supported various humanitarian causes, using his platform to raise awareness and promote positive change.

Impact on Country Music
While primarily known as a rock artist, Tom Petty's influence extended into country music. His storytelling prowess and musical style resonated with country audiences and artists alike. Petty's collaboration with artists such as Johnny Cash highlighted his versatility and ability to transcend genres. His work has inspired countless country musicians, and his impact on the genre is undeniable.

"Tom Petty is a true artist. His music has always been honest and real, and he's never compromised his vision. He's a true original."
— Johnny Cash

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to their craft. From their early days to their final performances, they remained true to their musical vision, creating a body of work that continues to inspire and entertain. Tom Petty's influence on both rock and country music ensures that his spirit lives on, resonating with new generations of listeners and Singer Songwriters.

To visit on the MusicThisDay.com website, tap the link: The 100 Greatest Songwriters Of All Time.

in partnership with Your Morning Coffee and Jay Gilbert

• MONDEGREEN—  American Girl from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Original

Well it was kind of cold that night
She stood alone on a balcony
Yeah, she could hear the cars roll by out on 441
Like waves crashing on the beach.

Mondegreen

Well it was kind of cold at night
She stood alone on a bed of nails
Yeah she caught all the cars roll by, it was like Hollywood
Like waves crashing on the beach.

If you're up for a few more mondegreens of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers songs, tap the link. There's a couple of them.

And for hundreds of other head-shaking misheard lyrics, tap this link to go to  http://www.amiright.com/misheard/. "Making fun of music, one song at a time, since 2000" and they're amazing!

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• COACHING—  Part 3 of 3: a Singer Songwriter's Success How To from Derek Sivers

The first part of Derek Siver's book, Your Music and People, is titled CREATIVE. In the last the AMP 47, we featured the first three short chapters. Here are the rest of the chapters: Restrictions will set you free… Make mystery : make people wonder… Creative communication… and the last one: Captain T. As said last time, this is some of the most profound coaching to 'Put Success In Your Singer Songwriter's Career' you will ever have. Ever!

OUTRAGEOUS CLAIM: This is the best book about how to create success in your Singer Songwriter career you will ever read. — John Fogg

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Here are the last two...

Creative communication 

The way you communicate with people is part of your art. 

For people who have never heard your music, it's the start of your art! 

If you make depressing music, send your fans a dark black announcement that's depressing just to look at. 

If you are an "in-your-face country-metal-speedpunk" artist, have the guts to call a potential booking agent and scream, "Listen you crazy dirtbag!" Book me or I explode! Waaaaaah!!" If they like that introduction, you've found a good match. 

Set the tone. Pull in those people who love that kind of thing. Proudly alienate those that don't. 

There's a minimalist classical music composer whose emails to me are always just one provocative thought. Like when I posted something online about being an introvert, he emailed me just one sentence: "Are we not ever-changing, both gradually and per situation?" That's it. No greeting or closing or manners in-between. His communication style always makes me smile and reminds me of his music. 

The gentle new-age artist always calls me "sweetie" and reminds me to nourish my soul. 

The surf music artist always uses the Hawaiian greetings "aloha" and "mahalo" when he emails, along with other surfer slang. 

The rebellious punk never calls me by my name, but instead just says, "Hey sellout." 

Be different. Show who you are. 

It gives people's lives more variety, too. 

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Captain T 

Back in 1997, when The X-Files was still on the air, a friend of mine who called himself Captain T recorded an album that was all about conspiracy theories, Area 51, and aliens. It was intentionally funny, but he stayed in character. He acted like a guy who was trying to tell the world about government cover-ups. 

We wanted to send his album to college radio stations, but couldn't afford to hire a real radio promoter, so we decided to do it ourselves. We decided to make his marketing an extension of his art and image. 

I had visited many college radio stations and saw that the kids there would receive twenty packages a day, all exactly the same, in the same boring envelopes, with a little cover letter saying the same thing: "Please consider this album for airplay." I wanted to be considerate and give them something different. 

So we bought 500 black envelopes, 500 sheets of brown paper, 500 alien head stickers, and 500 huge red labels that said "CONFIDENTIAL! DO NOT OPEN FOR ANY REASON". 

We did a mail-merge to the 500 program directors at 500 college radio stations, so that each one got a personalized printed letter that said this: 

Dear name, 

You don't know me, but I live in the bushes behind your station. 

I have been here for 12 years, and your station has saved my life many times over. 

The music that you play has kept me going through my darkest of days and for this, I owe you everything. 

So I must tell you that a man named Captain T found me in the gutter yesterday, and he taught me about what is really going on with the government cover-ups, and what really happened down there in Area 51 with the aliens. This man has a message that you have to get out to the world because people need to know the truth!!! 

Signed, the man in the bushes, looking through your window right now. 

We took each letter out to the backyard and rubbed it in the dirt, then crumpled it up. Then we put the crumpled letter and CD into each black envelope, sealed it with an alien head sticker, and finally covered it with the huge label that said "CONFIDENTIAL! DO NOT OPEN FOR ANY REASON". And that's what we mailed to each radio station. 

Now imagine you're that college kid receiving twenty boring packages per day. Then you get this scary black package that says "DO NOT OPEN". When you open it, it's covered in dirt and says, "You don't know me, but I live in the bushes behind your station." 

375 of the 500 radio stations played it. 

Every now and then, my friend Captain T gets approached by someone who used to work at a college radio station back in 1997. They tell him they still remember it, because it was the coolest package they ever got.

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Your Music and People: creative and considerate fame by Derek Sivers. 

"Derek Sivers never set out to become rich and famous. That, they both, happened because he led with his heart and his head doing what he thought was right. And that good and great fortune couldn't have happened to a better man. Although we've never met in person, I call him my friend. And I treasure his guidance on New Music Lives™. When you choose to learn from Derek, as I have, you have chosen the very best there is."
— Paul Saunders

Derek Sivers was a professional musician before he started a music distribution company, CD Baby, that helped 150,000 musicians sell their music to over four million people. So after years of living the problems, he was able to learn the solutions.

Your Music and People shares a successful philosophy of getting your work to the world by being creative, considerate, resourceful, and connected.

AND... It's not just for musicians.

Want another of our famous NML money-back guarantees? Read Derek's book. 

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• PS from PS— Why do we strive to be perfect? A mistake can get us so much more.

I REALLY like what Ian Temple wrote in his piece: Your Mistakes Can Be Gifts. 

When you play live and all your songs sound and are performed perfectly— just like the studio album... And your audience will engage with you— just like the studio album.

At my wife Katie's request I went to a Shania Twain concert. It was well played and all the songs well performed. However, the concert was cold and sterile. Shania didn't even seem to want to interact with her bandmates, let alone the audience. Could have sat and listened to her on Spotify— in my favorite chair. For a lot less money. And hassle.

Compare that experience of mine with the videos you've seen of Taylor Swift or Keith Richard messing up. Falling down. Flubbing a line. Making a mistake. Those videos go viral. We connect and engage with them in the millions! We love ‘em! "Hey! They’re just like me— human." 

I want to go further and talk about marketing and the business side of your careers. Too much emphasis is placed on, 'My website must be perfect,' and 'My promotional emails  must have no mistakes.'  I disagree. Your website is a signpost on the way, not truly a destination. It has one purpose: Engaging with the visitor, the Fan or TrueFan. 

Perhaps add in a few mistakes. You could offer some reward to those who notice. I have a very successful writer friend who always has a typo or spaceo on his website and emails. He knows the value of NOT being perfect. Simply human. Show your real, human side. You’ll engage more with your audience, your Fans, and especially with your TrueFans.

It’s ok to make mistakes. So yes, I am encouraging you to. We are after all human. It’s how we use our mistakes. Connect with them. Rise above them and become truly engaged with each other that truly matters.

Until we speak again. 

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Thanks for reading. Give us your feedback.

And PLEASE, if you've got any Singer Songwriter friends, pass the AMP on, because... It’s Time... for a Change. Big Time. Past Time...